African Art - Ancient Sanctuary Sculpture - Primitive Art - Bateba Ti Puo - Lobi - Fetish

First half of the 20th century, Africa – Burkina Faso. Formerly in a European collection. An ancient anthropomorphic Bateba Ti Puo figure from the Lobi people, carved from dense wood and intended for the domestic shrine (thila). This sculpture is characterized by a hieratic frontal posture: the arms are extended horizontally, the legs joined forming a lower loop characteristic of certain ancient figures. The elongated head, set on a long cylindrical neck, presents a face of great formal simplicity: incised almond-shaped eyes, a pronounced nasal bridge, a thin mouth, and a vertical frontal incision. The Bateba Ti Puo are figures of protection and intercession. They are commissioned from the sculptor by the diviner and are intended to watch over the family, prevent imbalances, and act as mediators between the visible world and spiritual forces. Each figure possesses its own individuality, reflecting both the hand of the sculptor and the spiritual function assigned to it. The surface displays an antique, dry, and matte patina, with natural longitudinal cracks in the wood, erosion, and wear consistent with prolonged ritual use. Carved from a single block of wood. Mounted on a discreet, modern base. Dimensions: Total height with base (base not detachable): 24.5 cm. ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE VIA DHL EXPRESS ONLY.